Malaga - Porto Betting Preview: Why the price for a home win offers value to punters

By Phil Kitromilides

Our Spanish expert Phil Kitromilides believes Malaga have enough to win this evening, but does not necessarily think they will make the quarter-finals

Without doubt the biggest match in Malaga's 65 year history takes place at La Rosaleda this evening as the Andalusians look for a place in the last eight of the Champions League.

Five years ago they were struggling to beat the likes of Jerez and Elche in the Spanish Segunda, yet a combination of serious investment coupled with the talent and resilience shown by Manuel Pellegrini's side in the face of considerable adversity, means they are just one match away from taking their place amongst the continent's very elite.

Coral price a home win this evening at 6/4 (2.25) and there could well be some value in that.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, the Andalusians know only a win will be enough to send them through and on the whole they have been extremely tough to beat at home, with Barcelona they only side to beat them in Malaga in the last 10 matches.

Indeed, it is worth remebering this season, at home, Malaga have defeated the likes of Milan, Valencia, Zenit and Real Madrid.

Porto for their part are offered at 17/10 (2.70) and the side currently sitting second in the Portuguese table are without doubt a talented outifit.

The likes of James Rodriguez, Jackson Martinez and Joao Moutinho have all been in eye catching form this season and are capable on their day of unlocking the best of defences.

Although the price for a home win looks too good to turn down, the general feeling here in Spain that Malaga should have enough to win on the night if not necessarily progress.

Indeed a victory by the odd goal (2-1, 3-2, 4-3 etc.) would see Malaga eliminated on the away goals rule, and though it would be harsh on their fans the price of 10/1 (11.00) for a 2-1 home win looks a decent shout for a value bet.